Hiring a competent hardwood flooring contractor is key to top-quality floor installation. But since there are so many out there, how could you ever choose? Don’t worry, we have your back. AMPRO has compiled a list of 9 questions to ask your hardwood flooring installer. These questions are vital for a successful installation.
1. What are your qualifications and certifications?
This should be one of the very first questions you ask a potential contractor. All professional contractors must hold a contractor’s license and liability insurance. Always ask to see their qualifications beforehand. This is to make sure you are hiring someone competent and knowledgeable. About their liability insurance, always ask your contractor if you can see a copy of their policy.Also, it is important to ask if your contractor is a member of the National Wood Flooring Association or any other relevant groups. These, and other certifications, are a good way to assess the competency of a contractor and check if they meet industry standards.
2. How much would the job cost?
It is imperative that you request how much the job would cost, or at the very least, an estimation of the price. You must make sure that you understand what you’ll be paying for. And always keep an eye out for hidden fees!3. Do you offer a warranty?
Besides knowing how much the job would cost, also try to find out if the contractor offers a warranty. Installing hardwood floors is a big investment, so you must read the fine print.If your hardwood flooring installer does offer a warranty, here are some follow-up questions to ask: How long does the warranty last? What do they include in the warranty? Is there anything that can render the warranty void?
4. Can you give me a list of references?
Nowadays, checking the quality of a hardwood installer’s work is super easy! A quick Google search can help you identify the good hardwood installers from the mediocre. But sometimes, it may be beneficial to check directly with the contractor.Before hiring someone to install your hardwood floors for you, ask them for references for their work. This is to see if that particular contractor is the right one for you and will give you a good idea of their capabilities. A professional contractor would be more than happy to give you a list of their references.
5. Do you use subcontractors?
A subcontractor is a person or company that provides services for a portion of the work on the project. In this case, a subcontractor can perform the assessment, fitting, or any other role during the hardwood installation process. This is a noteworthy question since it is harder to verify qualifications when a flooring contractor uses subcontractors.6. Where do you source your materials from?
As we explained in our "6 Tips for Maintaining Your Hardwood Floor" article, you must allow the hardwood to acclimate to your region before installation. Thus, always ask the contractor about where their wood originates and how they will be acclimated before the installation begins.Without proper acclimation, your hardwood floors may experience cupping or gaps. These issues are almost impossible to fix, and it may cost more than you intend to pay.
7. How will you minimize dust exposure during the installation?
Installing hardwood floors can be a dusty project! Make sure you touch base with your contractor to figure out how it will be cleaned up. A good contractor will provide a strong plan for clean-up after installation.8. Will you monitor relative humidity and temperature?
Humidity and temperature play a major role in the outcome of your hardwood floors. They can make or break the installation process! So, it is important for the hardwood flooring contractor to track any changes to the environment during the installation. If the relative humidity or the temperature drops outside the optimum range during the installation, you could end up with a flooring catastrophe.9. Do you provide care for my floors after installation?
Some hardwood flooring contractors just install floors while others provide extra treatment. Certain contractors may help you care for your floor by offering cleaning, refinishing, etc. A professional contractor will always try to provide outstanding service after the installation is complete.That’s it!
These 9 questions will help you get educated and make sure your hardwood floors will provide lasting beauty to your home and make the process far easier.